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Cheapest Diesel Truck – Which Ones Should You Buy?

by Jordan Harris
Cheapest Diesel Truck

Looking for the cheapest diesel truck? Most of today’s modern pickup trucks have moved away from their utilitarian roots and evolved into true luxury cars, some of which can reach six figures when equipped with all the amenities. However, there are still some workaday trucks you can acquire at a bargain if you’re ready to forgo luxuries like heated and cooled leather seats, glossy touchscreens, and self-parking technologies.

This is true even if the top-end versions provide a unique blend of creature comforts and hauling capacity. What is the cheapest diesel truck? The cheapest diesel truck available has been chosen. Without further ado, let us get into the details.

The Benefits Of A Diesel Truck

Additionally, diesel engines provide a number of advantages over standard gas engines. They have higher fuel efficiency, are frequently simple to alter with aftermarket parts, and, with regular maintenance, practically last forever. As a result, if you’re shopping for a used vehicle, they are a fantastic price. Diesel engines frequently surpass the 250,000-mile mark with few, if any, issues.

Sadly, because of all these characteristics, diesel trucks are quite well-liked by buyers of old trucks. This means that a low-mileage, properly maintained diesel truck will probably cost more.

Not all diesel vehicles are a good investment, even if the majority of diesel engines are indestructible; as with any used automobile purchase, you should do a careful check and stay away from models with known problems.

Fortunately, with a little research and some time to browse the cheapest diesel truck on the market, you can find some great bargains on the best diesel trucks and stay away from the ones that might not be trustworthy.

Cheapest Diesel Truck

Big heavy-duty vehicles and simple half-ton pickups are among the selection. However, they all share a fantastic diesel engine at the back. Let’s get to know more about the cheapest diesel truck.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #1: 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

The starting price of the 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is $39,285, according to Car and Driver. This brand-new diesel pickup truck has “best-in-class” 12,560 lbs. of towing capacity. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 is located under the hood. This engine can produce 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.

All things considered, this pickup truck is fairly efficient. The 2021 Ram 1500 with a diesel engine reportedly delivers up to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, although towing anything will definitely lower these numbers.

The Ram 1500 diesel pickup truck has a number of noteworthy features, including a system that will examine the condition of your trailer lighting. Pretty clever, especially if you are familiar with towing and are aware of how simple it is to skip this step before getting behind the wheel and driving off.

The 2021 Ram 1500’s Tradesman trim is a work truck configuration. It’s important to note that the EcoDiesel is available in a variety of trim levels, including this entry-level model. This is one of the reasons the Ram 1500 is included on this list of the most affordable new diesel pickup trucks available right now.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #2: 2021 Chevy Colorado

Next on the list of the cheapest diesel truck is the 2021 Chevy Colorado. This Chevrolet model is one of just three midsize pickup trucks in the compact market with a diesel engine. Additionally, it is one of the cheapest diesel trucks available. The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is much less expensive than the full-size Chevrolet Silverado because of its lower size.

This truck can pull up to 7,700 pounds when powered by a diesel engine. In actuality, the towing capacity of the 2021 Chevy Colorado is only about 2,000 lbs less than that of its full-size sibling. If you don’t mind a smaller truck, this one comes with a diesel engine for a lot less money ($37,810, according to C/D) than the Chevrolet Silverado, which has a starting price of $43,000.

Colorado boasts a brand-new appearance due to its 2021 redesign. Chevrolet revised its infotainment system for the 2020 model year, which is also included. The four-cylinder, 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine can produce up to 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Colorado gets roughly 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway when powered by a diesel engine. The Duramax (diesel engine) has plenty of low-end torque in a very lightweight engine, making it excellent for off-road driving as well.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #3: 2021 GMC Canyon

Its corporate brother, Colorado, is mirrored in this truck. The 2021 GMC Canyon was also built by GM and uses the same 2.8-liter turbodiesel that powers its Chevy sibling vehicle. Prices for the 2021 GMC Canyon begin at $39325. Additionally, this truck gets about 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the interstate when towing 7,700 lbs.

Its cost indicates that it is advertised as a “premium” compact pickup truck. It remains, however, one of the most affordable new diesel pickup trucks available right now. Maybe you love the way the GMC trucks operate, but the GMC Canyon’s design is more appealing to you. You’ll end up paying a little bit more in this situation.

Nevertheless, this truck has several neat built-in features, such as a trailer brake control system (ensure that you’re also aware of how to adjust trailer brakes).

This function enables the trailer’s braking power to be precisely adjusted. There is also a diesel exhaust brake, which changes the way braking works for downhill travel.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #4: Nissan’s 2019 Titan XD

One of the cheapest diesel trucks is the 2019 Nissan Titan XD. Nissan is a fantastic business that produces top-notch vehicles and trucks. The Nissan Titan is among these vehicles with the best reputation. This vehicle doesn’t come in diesel models on a consistent basis, but the 2019 model is the most recent to do so. Particularly, the beginning price for this truck when it was brand-new was just $34,385. The Platinum Reserve trim, which costs $61,475, is the most costly model of this truck.

Even though these rides have just recently been made available to the public, their worth has not diminished. Carfax claims that the selling price is typically quite close to the purchase price, if not higher, in some instances because of upgrades and modifications. Drivers should anticipate a diesel vehicle to get roughly 18 mpg on the highway in terms of fuel efficiency.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #5: Ford F-150

Cheapest Diesel Truck

Ford not only produces some of the quickest cars of any American automaker, but they also make some great trucks. The Ford F-150 Lariat is one of their diesel alternatives. It’s a beast of a truck with a contemporary twist. A diesel-powered 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine propels it. This vehicle has 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

Starting at a fair $45,045, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat is a very good option. Of course, customers can alter these trucks in various ways to give them a more distinctive look. Additionally, it should be noted that some earlier Lariat versions run on diesel. These have also maintained their worth well, so you might spend fairly close to what you would for the most recent version. In either case, the cost of these rides is reasonable.

There are so many trucks on the market that it is nearly overwhelming. But just a small percentage of them are diesel-powered. Additionally, most diesel-powered cars and trucks now command high prices. Although we may comprehend the rationale, many people frequently cannot afford diesel trucks.

Fortunately, there are solutions available at prices that are more affordable. Excellent, reasonably priced diesel-powered trucks are available from Ford, GMC, and Nissan. The starting price is $21,490, which includes a $1,495 destination fee.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #6: 2022 Ford Ranger XL

If the Maverick is too small for you and the F-150 is too big, the mid-size Ford Ranger could be the perfect pickup for you. Two cab sizes are available for the standard 2022 Ranger XL: a four-door SuperCrew that seats five and has a 5-foot bed and a two-door SuperCab that seats four and has a 6-foot bed.

All 2022 Ranger versions come standard with RWD and a 2.3-liter, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower; 4WD is an option. The Ranger gets a combined EPA rating of 23 mpg with RWD. The Ranger has a maximum payload capacity of 1,905 pounds and can tow up to 7,500 pounds with a trailer tow package. However, it can’t match the capability of its full-size F-150 companion. The starting price is $26,795, which includes a $1,295 destination charge.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #7: 2022 Nissan Frontier

Finally, the cheapest diesel truck Frontier is available, and while its V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission are carryovers, there is something unique about the fact that they are included as standard equipment. Unlike many other pickup mid-sizers, the Frontier has just one available engine, a potent V-6; it forgoes a meager entry-level four-cylinder option. Although the Frontier reuses its previous frame and several hard points, the V6 arrives wrapped in a newly buff-looking body.

This isn’t a major flaw, given how robust the original Frontier’s underpinnings were. Still, the refreshed Nissan just keeps up with the rest of the midsize pickup pack, which is about to undergo a total overhaul. In the next year or two, vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and others will need to be replaced.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #8: 2021 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is the only other car on this list with just one engine option, following the Nissan Frontier. That indicates that every Ranger, from the highest-end versions down to the entry-level Ranger XL, is driven by the same 2.3-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Although the entry-level, two-wheel-drive Ranger XL trim included in the price stated above is simple, Ford is exceptional in offering a variety of aesthetic packages to increase the rig’s appeal, such as the STX package and the FX2 off-road package.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #9: 2022 Toyota Tacoma

If you browse Toyota’s website and then compare the price of the well-liked Tacoma to the costs of the first couple of trucks on this list, you might be left perplexed. However, the higher $27,000-ish base price of the Tacoma can be avoided by choosing some clever options, such as the Utility package, which eliminates the back seats, rear audio speakers, and sliding rear window and replaces most exterior trim and bumpers with black pieces.

By eliminating $1,715 from the MSRP, the base four-cylinder, extended-cab Toyota Tacoma SR is reduced to a true cheap pickup level and costs just $26,055. The Toyota Tacoma is now the cheapest diesel truck you can buy in 2022.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #10: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Hyundai joins the pickup truck market with its little Santa Cruz pickup truck. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a starting price of $25,175 and comes equipped with a 191 horsepower, 2.5 liters, four-cylinder engine that can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds if you choose the truck’s optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which Hyundai claims generate more than 275 horsepower.

However, all Santa Cruz models come standard with a modest 4.0-foot bed regardless of the drivetrain. It makes up for its overall shortcoming with hidden storage space. There is also an in-bed trunk, similar to the larger Honda Ridgeline.

Cheapest Diesel Truck #11: 2022 Ford Maverick

Put aside your opinions regarding whether or not the new Ford Maverick is a true pickup truck; it has a bed and a pickup truck-like body, so what more do you need in the cheapest diesel truck? It is without a doubt the cheapest diesel truck available. The entry-level midsize Ford Ranger costs thousands more than the compact Maverick, with a starting price of $21,490. It also costs roughly $4,000 less than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The least priced Ford Maverick XL is a two-wheel drive vehicle, just like the other vehicles on this list. The cheapest diesel truck Maverick is also the only hybrid pickup in this comparison and the only one without a separate frame. Both all-wheel drive and a non-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engine are options. The Ford Maverick comes standard with a crew-cab body rather than a short extended cab or a two-door regular cab.

What Is The Best Diesel Engine

A. The Chrysler 3.0L EcoDiesel I-6

Diesel is a light-duty engine, yet it is the only one of its kind in the industry.

  • 160 to 215 horsepower at 2,500 rpm
  • 400 to 440 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm
  • DOHC valve train with four valves per cylinder.
  • High-pressure common-rail fuel injection using solenoid injectors
  • Water-cooled induction Garrett one-turbocharger with changeable geometry
  • 16.5:1 compression ratio

B. Higher output Cummins V8 6.7 L

The 6.7L Cummins, which produces the highest torque ever made available in a non-commercial vehicle, is one of the best truck engines to handle big hauls:

  • 310 horsepower at 3,200 revs.
  • 555 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm
  • DOHC valve train with four valves per cylinder.
  • High-pressure common-rail fuel injection using a Bosch CP4.2 injection pump
  • Holset M2 two-stage compound turbochargers with electronic wastegate are used for induction.

C. 6.6L LBZ V8 Duramax

With simplicity, this new pickup truck in the half-ton and 3/4-ton segment can undertake actual work in the American Fork area:

  • 360 horsepower at 3,200 revs.
  • 650 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm
  • OHV 4-valve per cylinder valvetrain
  • High-pressure common-rail fuel injection using a Bosch CP3 injection pump
  • Garrett variable-geometry turbocharger for induction

D. Power Stroke 7.3L Navistar/Ford

This renowned workhorse is a master at accomplishing tasks:

What Is The Best Diesel Truck

Cheapest Diesel Truck

A diesel-powered pickup truck can be the perfect choice for you if you’re seeking a vehicle with something unique under the hood. We’ve put together this updated list of the top used diesel vehicles to aid you in your quest.

  • GMC Canyon
  • Chevrolet Colorado
  • Nissan Titan XD
  • GMC Sierra 2500
  • Chevrolet Silverado 2500

What Cars Take Diesel

Digital Trends lists the following as some of the American automobiles and trucks that are currently available with a diesel engine option:

  • Chevrolet Colorado
  • Ram 1500
  • Chevrolet Silverado
  • Ford F-150
  • Jeep Gladiator
  • Jeep Wrangler

What Used Diesel Truck Should I Buy

Here are a few options to think about if you’re looking for the best diesel truck:

  • 2006 and 2007 GMC and Chevy 2500 and 3500 models
  • 2003-2004 Ram Heavy Duty Dodge
  • Ford F-250/F-350 from 2008 to 2010
  • 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2014 Ram 1500
  • Dodge Ram 2500HD from 2010

What Is The Cheapest Truck

Cheapest Diesel Truck

The Most Affordable New Trucks for 2022

  • Nissan Frontier 2022 | $29015
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2021  $28,195
  • GMC Canyon 2022 | $27,755
  • Chevy Colorado 2022 | $26,155
  • Ford Ranger 2022 | $26,580
  • Toyota Tacoma 2022 | $26,000
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz 2022 | $25,215

Facts about Buying a Pre-Owned Diesel Truck for Towing

  • Diesel trucks are ideal for towing and hauling heavy loads and have good fuel economy.
  • Buying a pre-owned diesel truck can save money, and there are many options available in the market.
  • Proper maintenance and regular oil changes can increase the longevity of a diesel engine and reduce the need for repairs.
  • Ford Super Duty line from 1999 to 2003 is a reliable option for a ¾-ton diesel truck and has good performance and durability.
  • The most common issue with 7.3L Power Stroke engine is the camshaft position sensor failure, which can be easily replaced.
  • Another common issue with 7.3L Power Stroke engine is the oil pan leaking, which requires engine removal for a permanent repair.
  • 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/LB7 Duramax is a pre-emissions era Duramax with a lightweight package and a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
  • Injector issues and pump rub leading to transfer case failure are the common problems in LB7 Duramax.
  • 2003-2007 Dodge 2500/5.9L Cummins is a powerful option for a pre-owned diesel truck, but the automatic transmission may not hold up well under heavy loads.
  • Common issues with 5.9L Cummins are injector replacement, steering issues, and death wobble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some popular FAQs:

Does Toyota Make A Diesel Truck

First introduced in October 1977, the L series is a group of inline four-cylinder diesel engines produced by Toyota. This Toyota diesel engine is the first to use a SOHC head and a rubber timing belt. As a matter of fact, Toyota does not currently sell any vehicles with diesel engines in the United States. There won’t be a diesel version of the newest Tundra.

Are Diesel Trucks Better

Gas trucks tend to be lighter, faster, and better at handling heavier weights, whereas diesel trucks often offer more torque, towing capability, gas mileage, and longer-lasting performance. Your final decision will entirely depend on your needs. Diesel trucks are recognized for producing enormous amounts of torque, making them great options for drivers who require heavy-duty skills. When comparing the towing capabilities of gas and diesel trucks, the advantage of more torque becomes particularly obvious because diesel trucks can carry higher loads on average.

Is A Diesel Truck Worth It

A diesel vehicle is your only option if you want one with actual toughness. They have more direct power since their engines produce much more torque that is sent to the driveshaft. Diesel trucks can accelerate and hold power more easily as a result, even under pressure. Additionally, you’ll find that there is significantly less engine wear and tear in heavy-duty towing situations than there is in a pickup truck that runs on gas. Diesel trucks outperform trucks with gasoline engines when it comes to towing for the same reason. Diesel engines are able to move bigger loads more effectively, which results in fuel savings. They are therefore the ideal trucks for both work and leisure use. They are capable of handling difficult tasks at work and can tow campers, trailers, or sports cars with no problem.

What Trucks Have Cummins Engines

The Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks, as well as the RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cabs can all be equipped with this engine.

Do All Diesels Have A Turbo

Not every diesel vehicle has a turbo. There are naturally aspirated diesel engines. As a result, they are totally dependent on atmospheric pressure for air induction. These engines are much weaker in terms of power. But turbos are a feature of every modern diesel engine. However, not all diesel vehicles have a turbo. Modern diesel engines all do. In today’s market, it is expected that diesel will have a turbo. They offer a high level of efficiency for current diesel. A naturally aspirated diesel engine cannot meet many of the power requirements in today’s automobiles.

What Is High Miles For A Diesel Truck

A used diesel pickup with a Cummins or Duramax engine under the hood is said to have high mileage if it has traveled more than 350,000 miles, according to Prosource Diesel. For a Powerstroke diesel engine, anything above 350,000 miles is likewise classed as high mileage.

What Is The Best Ford Diesel Engine

The 7.3L Power Stroke was still the most dependable diesel engine in 2021. It has maintained that value since it was created. The interior components and engine block of the Ford 7.3L Powerstroke were over-engineered and over-built in relation to the truck’s power output.

Should I Buy A Diesel Truck

A diesel vehicle is your only option if you want one with actual toughness. They have more direct power since their engines produce much more torque that is sent to the driveshaft. Diesel trucks are able to accelerate and hold power more easily as a result, even under pressure. Additionally, you’ll find that there is significantly less engine wear and tear in heavy-duty towing situations than there is in a pickup truck that runs on gas.

What Is The Best Cummins Engine

The newest B-Series engine, designed for use under the hood of the Dodge Ram, was debuted by Cummins in 2007. The 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel was created to take the role of the outdated 5.9L Cummins with 24 valves, which was unable to meet ever-tougher emissions regulations. The new 6.7L Cummins used the same cast-iron block and heads as the 5.9L before it, but it had a good amount of brand-new technology for fuel and air delivery. Additional improvements to the 6.7L Cummins arrived in 2013, the year the engine received SC. The 6.7L saw a 10% boost in torque thanks to this technology, which also reduced the engine’s overall pollution output.

Final Verdict – Cheapest Diesel Truck

There are so many cheapest diesel trucks on the market that it is nearly overwhelming. But just a small percentage of them are diesel-powered. Additionally, the majority of diesel-powered cars and trucks sold now command high prices. Although we may comprehend the rationale, many people frequently cannot afford diesel trucks.

Fortunately, there are solutions available at prices that are more affordable. Excellent, reasonably priced diesel-powered trucks are available from Ford, GMC, and Nissan. No, these won’t be the strongest or most well-liked trucks on the market, but they are a perfect way for someone who wants a diesel-powered car to have one.

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